That the Founding Fathers in the Continental and Confederation Congresses issued sixteen proclamations calling the Thirteen States of America to fast, pray, and give thanks to God is a little-known fact to most Americans in the twenty-first century. Determined to rob America of its Christian origin, secularists, atheists, and the irreligious have widely sown misinformation, deceiving those who readily believe whatever they are told. But, the historical facts and records of Congress readily speak the truth to those who are willing to lend an ear.Fourth Congressional Fasting Proclamation

Henry Laurens

The Second Continental Congress had fled from Philadelphia for fear of attack from the British after the American loss of the Battle of Bradywine (September 11, 1777). After convening for one day at the Court House of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Congress reconvened at the Court House in York, Pennsylvania from September 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778. During its time at the York Court House, Congress issued spiritual proclamations four and five, both of which were issued under the presidency of Henry Laurens of South Carolina.Fourth Congressional Fasting Proclamation

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Uncertain that America could win its independence from Great Britain, France hesitated at coming to the assistance of the American cause. Only after the surrender of British General Burgoyne (October 17, 1777) following the Battles of Saratoga did it become apparent to the French that support of American independence could be a hopeful prospect in which they could engage themselves against their British enemies. A little more than four months after Burgoyne’s surrender, two treaties were signed by representatives of the United States and France, both treaties being signed on February 6, 1778 at the H’tel de Crillon in Paris. The first – The Treaty of Amity and Commerce – officially bestowed upon the United States France’s recognition of their independence as a nation, separate from Great Britain; and, this first treaty also established a commercial trading agreement between the two nations. The second treaty – Treaty of Alliance – was an agreement of mutual defense against Great Britain. Received by Congress on May 2, 1778, these treaties were quickly ratified on May 4, 1778, and America gained an important ally in its bid for independence.

Despite the hopeful prospect that an alliance with France would propose to members of Congress, their dependence for success had not rested in mere human or secular security. From the beginning of America’s bid for independence when it became apparent that King George III and the British Parliament would not give favorable answer to American expectations, the signers of the Declaration affirmed that they believed the favorable outcome of their course of action was in the hands of the Lord. Their spiritual confidence rested in the care of the eternal God and stated that fact to the world in the final sentence of the Declaration of Independence, below which they penned their names: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Their new French ally in no way displayed the confidence in God that Congress had demonstrated from the beginning.

The selection of a committee to write a spiritual proclamation was the most common procedure for Congress. Though on occasion, the Journals of Congress do not record this step, in this instance the selection of a committee and the members’ names were notated:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1778

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a recommendation to the United States, to set apart a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer:

It may be noted that the committee expressed a sentiment in its recommendation that was contained in the previous proclamation: “that it may please him to bless our schools and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of true piety, virtue and useful knowledge.” Similar expressions were repeatedly employed in other proclamations. Indeed, following the Revolution, Christian education was a critical interest to Founding Fathers in perpetuating the American Republic.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1778

The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, for setting apart a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, brought in the same; which was read and agreed to as follows:

Whereas, Almighty God, in the righteous dispensation of his providence, hath permitted the continuation of a cruel and desolating war in our land; and it being at all times the duty of a people to acknowledge God in all his ways, and more especially to humble themselves before him when evident tokens of his displeasure are manifested; to acknowledge his righteous government; confess, and forsake their evil ways; and implore his mercy:

Resolved, That it be recommended to the United States of America to set apart Wednesday, the 22d day of April next, to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer; that at one time, and with one voice, the inhabitants may acknowledge the righteous dispensations of Divine Providence, and confess their iniquities and transgressions, for which the land mourneth; that they may implore the mercy and forgiveness of God; and beseech him that vice, prophaneness, extortion, and every evil, may be done away; and that we may be a reformed and happy people; that they may unite in humble and earnest supplication, that it may please Almighty God, to guard and defend us against our enemies, and give vigor and success to our military operations by sea and land; that it may please him to bless the civil rulers and people, strengthen and perpetuate our union, and, in his own good time, establish us in the peaceable enjoyment of our rights and liberties; that it may please him to bless our schools and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of true piety, virtue and useful knowledge; that it may please him to cause the earth to yield its increase, and to crown the year with his goodness.

And it is recommended to the inhabitants of the United States to abstain, on that day, from labour and recreations.[2]

Any individual or group who suggests that America’s Founding Fathers were Deists or irreligious openly confesses their ignorance of the historical facts. At both the state and federal levels, document after document—as in part demonstrated above—may be produced to prove America was established upon the principles of the Christian religion. This fact is so glaring that one may ask secular advocates to display only one document from either the state or federal levels to demonstrate America was constructed by irreligious Founders—not one hundred and one, but one! It cannot be done. Inevitably secularist always attempt to prove their arguments from personal writings of half a dozen individuals—never from state papers! Judges who make similar appeals to personal writings for formative arguments in their rulings—instead of superintending primary documents—should summarily be impeached!

America, this is our Christian heritage!

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Christian Heritage Fellowship, Inc., Christian Quotes from the Founding Fathers.Christian Quotes from the Founding Fathers is a brief summary of some of the most important Founding Fathers concerning their Christian convictions and public life. Businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals may help correct the deception of the Left with primary quotations. Get your brochures today and help share the truth concerning America's Christian heritage. This product is available in bulk pricing for mass distribution.Read more...

Stephen A. Flick, Ph.D., America's Founding Fathers and the Bible. Contrary to the contemporary mantra that America was birthed as a secular nation, the historical evidence demonstrates that America was founded by Christians who wished to enjoy the liberty to freely express their Christian faith. Lamentably, Christians have forgotten and neglected the Christian heritage bequeathed to them by America's Founding Fathers and have allowed secularists to disparage and deny what was given to them at such a great price. America's Founding Fathers and the Bible briefly describes a portion of America's Christian heritage, particularly during the rise of nationalism when America was shaping its national government. Read more...

Stephen A. Flick, Ph.D., When the United States Capitol Was a Church. So deep and strong was the relationship of government to the Christian faith in America that the relationship was recognized in a variety of ways. Few realize that the United States Capitol was used as a church for years before it was used to convene the United States Congress. For nearly three-quarters of a century, the United States Capitol was used for church services. In fact, it became a meeting place for a number of churches in Washington, D. C. While secularists wish to keep this and many other similar historical facts quiet, the sincere Christian will wish to celebrate the spiritual heritage our Founding Fathers have bequeathed to us.Read more...

Stephen Hopkins (March 7, 1707 – July 13, 1785) was a governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, a Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.Read more...

George Ross (May 10, 1730 – July 14, 1779) was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of Pennsylvania.
George Ross was the uncle to Betsy Ross by marriage (her first husband). Col. George Ross accompanied Robert Morris and General Washington into Betsy shop in 1776 to request assistance in creating a flag for the troops and the nation.Read more...

One of the surest means of refuting claims that America's Founding Fathers were not Christian is the realization and proclamation of the fact that they believed God birthed America through His providence. They believe God orchestrated the independence of America, and the Father of our nation, George Washington, was among those who affirmed this Christian teaching.Since the 1920s and following, secularists have been attempting to reshape AmericanRead more...

Stephen Flick heads Christian Heritage Fellowship, a national organization dedicated to reclaiming America’s Christian Heritage and celebrating the life-changing influence of the Gospel around the world.
Concerned with the cultural decay of America, Dr. Flick has sought to provide answers to fellow Christians (and unbelievers) concerning the questions and objections to Christianity often posed by secularists and the irreligious.
Dr. Flick is a writer and speaker and has authored numerous articles and books on America’s Christian heritage. He earned his Ph.D. from Drew University in history and Christian theology and has taught at the graduate level as full professor. He has been a licensed minster for nearly forty years and resides in East Tennessee with his wife, Beth. They have two grown, married children and five grandchildren.

Quote Cloud

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I am a Christian. I believe only in the Scriptures, and in Jesus Christ my Savior.
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–
Charles Thomson
Secretary of Congress (1774-89)

Rush, Travels through Life, 208

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The brief exposition of the constitution of the United States, will unfold to young persons the principles of republican government; and it is the sincere desire of the writer that our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct republican principles is the Bible, particularly the New Testament or the Christian religion.
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